Vintage Chauffeur Badges - Collection of 96

Beginning in the early 20th century, qualified drivers for taxi cabs or other paid car services were issued a small metal license called a chauffeur badge. The word "chauffeur" comes from the French word for "stoker", since the earliest automobiles utilized steam-powered engines, requiring the driver to stoke the coal fire during the engine's operation.

In 1903, New York became the first state to issue a motor vehicle license for chauffeurs, also known as "public hacks." Pinned to a coat or hat, these metal badges provided an easy way for drivers to display their certification while operating their vehicle.

In the early 1950's, paper licenses had replaced badges, which were more expensive to produce.

This collection represents the following states & even 1 Canadian province: